Image processing

Abstract

In an image-processing method, a stack is provided for storing a predetermined number of frame portions. An image including a target object is obtained, the image being formed by an array of pixels. A frame portion is extracted from the image, the frame portion being at least a portion of the pixels forming the image, corresponding to a region of interest in the image, the region of interest comprising the target object. The frame portion is stored in the stack, the storing including discarding an oldest previously stored frame portion from the stack if the number of frame portions stored in the stack has reached the predetermined number. The steps of the method are repeated a plurality of times. Frame portions in the stack having a phase substantially equal to a given phase are averaged. A super-resolved image is calculated from the plurality of stored frame portions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to the field of image processing, and in particular to the generation of a higher-resolution image from a plurality of lower-resolution images. The invention relates especially, but not exclusively, to the field of image-processing in homing missiles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The accuracy of detection, recognition, identification and tracking using electro-optical sensors is critically dependent upon image quality; hence improved image quality can be expected to result in increased performance. However, in some applications there is a need to strike a balance between, on the one hand, obtaining the best possible image quality and, on the other hand, obtaining an image quickly and with processor and other hardware requirements that are not too demanding. For example, in the field of homing missiles, provision of images of higher quality than those provided by existing systems would increase the distance over which an image pro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for creating a high-resolution image by combining multiple frames of a video or image. The method uses a technique called super-resolution, which involves enhancing the resolution of the image by approximating the missing parts between frames. The method takes into account changes in the image and makes the weighting for each frame different to create a more accurate image. This eliminates the need to recalculate the translation shift between frames, resulting in more efficient image processing. The technical effect is a more accurate and efficient way to create high-resolution images using super-resolution techniques.

Problems solved by technology

However, known super-resolution techniques, for example in astronomy, are slow and require a great deal of computer processing power.

Images